A TOWERING 300 foot high structure overlooking the Forth bridges could become West Fife's own 'Angel of the North'.

The man behind the hugely successful Fire Station Creative, artist Ian Moir, wants to build a 'Citizen Spire' at the entrance to the Kingdom.

The ambitious plans are at an early stage and he said: "In terms of scale, the Scott Monument is 200ft high so this would be quite a bit taller.

"You would enter into it, there would be a cafe, shop, contemporary art galleries and exhibitions.

"It would have a lift to the viewing platform at the top where you'd get a 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape, including out over the bridges.

"The public would see it from a distance, approach it, go inside and engage with the artwork that revolve around the central theme of citizenship."

He added: "It is a concept which sits comfortably within the Scottish tradition of building large, inspirational structures that celebrate our national heritage and culture."

An art gallery and tourist attraction, the stone spire could also have studios, workshop spaces and a small cinema while, at night, the structure would become "a flickering beacon, receiving video projections upon its exterior surface".

Asked if it was similar in scale to the Angel of the North, which overlooks Newcastle, Ian said: "Absolutely, that's what springs to mind.

"At this stage I don't know how much it would cost but this would be a capital project on a huge scale.

"The Kelpies cost £8m and the idea is this is something that would wash its own face in terms of tourism numbers."

There is no preferred site as yet and Ian said: "Quite a few people have mentioned Castlandhill (in Rosyth) and I have been there to have a look.

"It would be ideal but whether it's available, I don't know.

"I have spoken to Fife Council and they're assisting me in finding land that may be suitable."

He said Citizen Spire would mark the gateway into Fife and welcome road and rail users as they cross over the Forth bridges.

Artists from at home and around the world would be invited to exhibit work on the theme of citizenship, which Ian said could include issues such as charity, race, justice, community, peace, duty, whistleblowing, liberty, sacrifice and entrepreneurism.

He said: "That's the plan but the first step in developing this is an exhibition, probably in March next year, and the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust have already pledged £3,500 to help pay for blueprints, models, paintings, drawings and animations for it.

"In rudimentary form we're looking at a four-sided pyramid forming into a very tall spire but the idea will alter as time progresses and we get feedback through the exhibition.

"I'd invite every part of the community to come forward and express their views about what extra functions this facility could serve, how it should look and where it should be."

He added: "I anticipate there will be obstacles to overcome. The height of it is an issue although the bridges would be much taller than the structure so it's not outwith the realms of possibility.

"We wouldn't pursue it if the public rejected the idea."

After the exhibition, the plan is to source funding for a feasibility study, identify a suitable location and demonstrate public demand.

A business plan would then be needed to outline the financial sustainability and economic benefits of the facility.

If everything fell into place, it would then be down to securing the plot of land and raising the capital funds.

You can contact Ian by email at ian@firestationcreative.co.uk.